If you're a qualified solicitor in the European Union you are eligible to apply for this route to requalify as a solicitor in Scotland.

Requalifying into Scotland as an overseas solicitor

We welcome applications from solicitors from all over the world who are interested in requalifying into Scotland.

We are here to guide you through the qualification process from beginning to end. We can also give advice and information about working in the Scottish jurisdiction, to help you identify what career options might be available to you.

Every applicant is different, which is why your application for admission as a Scottish solicitor will be referred to our Admissions Sub-Committee. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis, on its own merits.

If you'd like to discuss submitting an application or you would like further guidance, please email us at legaleduc@lawscot.org.uk.

Your application: first steps

A Certificate of Eligibility is the first document you must obtain as part of your application.

To apply for a Certificate of Eligibility there are various items of supporting information that you must provide, which are all listed in the application form. Please note this will include a non-refundable administration fee of £400 and a £25 processing charge for your Disclosure Scotland application.

Your application to be permitted to commence the requalification process as a Scottish solicitor will be considered only after we have received this application form, relevant supporting documents, payment and a Certificate of Good Standing from your home Bar Association. At this stage, your application will be considered by the Law Society’s Admissions Sub-Committee.

Guidance on the process of requalification

It is for the Admissions Sub-Committee to determine precisely what is required of you but the team here can give you some guidance as to the process. It is likely that the process will follow the stages below.

Pass the Law Society of Scotland's exams

There are currently twelve subjects that you may be required to pass. It would be open to you to apply for exemptions from any of these examinations on the basis of past study and qualifications. The Society's examinations are held in Edinburgh and there are two diets each year, in February and August. It is impossible to sit all of the examinations at one diet as some are held concurrently.

The requirement with regards to our examinations are that they are completed within four years of first presentation for examination and that no more than four attempts are permitted. You must ensure that you have enroled for your first exam within a year of being granted your Certificate of Eligibility.

Undertake Professional Education and Training (PEAT)

You would then move onto Professional Education and Training stage two, which is the traineeship. It would be likely you would be required to complete at least one year under a standard training contract, prior to applying for admission (i.e. being fully qualified).

Applying for admission to the roll of Scottish solicitors

Once you have completed all the stages involved in the requalification process, you can then contact the Education, Training & Qualifications team to apply for Admission. Email legaleduc@lawscot.org.uk to request the relevant paperwork.